Who Should I Start? Marcus Mariota or Rhamondre Stevenson

Tuesday, October 28, 9:11 AM

Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota threw a pair of tough interceptions, and the team only managed seven points in their Monday night loss to the Chiefs. The fill-in starter completed 21-of-30 passes for 213 yards and one touchdown, and he also led the team in rushing with 28 yards on eight carries. Mariota and the offense looked decent in the first half, and the game was tied at halftime, but they struggled in the second half against a strong Chiefs' defense. Mariota could be in line to start again this week at home against the Seahawks, but the Commanders will hope that Jayden Daniels (hamstring) is able to return. Mariota would be tough to trust for fantasy against the solid Seahawks defense next week, and Daniels' return would boost the rest of the Commanders' playmakers as well.

Thursday, October 30, 3:14 PM

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) did not return to practice on Thursday, putting his status firmly up in the air for Sunday's contest against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9. Stevenson didn't play in the last seven minutes of the Week 8 blowout win over the Cleveland Browns, and now we know why. The 27-year-old will need to get back on the practice field on Friday to avoid being ruled out entirely for Sunday's game. With Stevenson's status in doubt in Week 9, rookie TreVeyon Henderson could be in line for his first game with lead-back duties for the Patriots, which would make him a plug-and-play RB2 in fantasy football lineups. If Stevenson is inactive this weekend, Terrell Jennings would be asked to back up Henderson in the backfield. Fantasy managers who have been starting Stevenson need to have a backup plan in place this week.